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MERS Spreads in Saudi; 1st US Case Stable In Hospital

Saudi health officials reported 15 more people diagnosed with the deadly MERS virus on Sunday while the first US case was improving in Indiana.
Image: Handout transmission electron micrograph shows particles of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus
Particles of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus that emerged in 2012 are seen in an undated colorized transmission electron micrograph from the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). A healthcare worker who had traveled to Saudi Arabia was confirmed as the first U.S. case of MERS, an often fatal illness, raising new concerns about the rapid spread of such diseases, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday. REUTERS/National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases/Handout via Reuters (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH) ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNSReuters

Saudi health officials reported 15 more people diagnosed with the deadly MERS virus on Sunday, while the first case seen in the United States, a health worker who had been in Saudi Arabia, was in good condition in an Indiana hospital.

Saudi Arabia has seen a big jump in cases in the past few weeks and hospital officials around the world are on alert because some of the clusters are clearly happening in hospitals. At least five of the cases reported Sunday were at a government hospital in Riyadh.

The patient in Indiana is being kept isolated and hospital workers there are using special precautions to make sure the virus doesn’t spread.

"The patient is in full isolation and presents no risk to patients, staff or the general community," said Don Fesko, CEO of Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana. "We are thoroughly prepared to handle respiratory infections. We continue to work closely with the CDC and State Health Department and are following every recommendation. Safety is our top priority."

Middle East Respiratory Sydrome (MERS) virus was first seen in 2012 and most cases are linked to the Middle East, although it’s now been seen in more than a dozen countries around the world. Many of those who are sick enough to show symptoms have had other conditions, such as cancer, diabetes or kidney disease.

The virus has killed more than 100 people and infected more than 300. But as scientists test more and more people in close contact with victims, they are finding some people appear to have been infected without ever having gotten sick. Saudi officials say four of the 15 cases reported Sunday did not ever become ill.

MERS also doesn’t seems to be easily transmitted. Nonetheless, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention experts are tracking down people who had been in contact with the Indiana patient just to be sure and to caution them to be on the lookout for symptoms such as cough and fever.

"We are very pleased the patient is improving and no other cases have been identified at this time," said Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. William VanNess. "The swift diagnosis and precautionary measures taken have undoubtedly greatly helped reduce the risk of this potentially serious virus spreading."